Inquests & Public Inquiries

Danny Friedman KC brings his considerable expertise in human rights law to bear in public inquiries and inquests. Recent work includes acting on behalf of core participants in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Grenfell Tower and UK Covid-19 Inquiries. He is often instructed in judicial reviews arising in the course of inquests.

"Danny is a very passionate and committed advocate with supreme forensic skill."

"He provides very detailed and comprehensive written arguments and oral advocacy."

"Danny is utterly brilliant. He is very tactical; he sees not just the wood for the trees but also how the public response will play out."

Jesse Nicholls is extremely well regarded for his detailed knowledge of inquest procedure and his experience acting in key public inquiries. He frequently represents bereaved families in high-profile inquests, including Article 2 proceedings. He has additional experience acting as counsel to the inquiry. He is particularly capable in inquests scrutinising police conduct and other actions of the state, and is also routinely instructed by families and NGOs in judicial reviews arising from inquests.

"Jesse is good at written drafting and he is persuasive orally too."

"His legal knowledge and analysis are very impressive but he is also very creative and dynamic."

Ifeanyi Odogwu specialises in representing family members at inquests into deaths following police custody and restraint, or police shootings. He has an impressive track record of appearances in Article 2 jury inquests, and has also brought several judicial review challenges to coroners' decisions. Recently he has been instructed to appear in the Grenfell Tower and UK Covid-19 Inquiries.

"Ifeanyi is especially strong on police inquests."

James Robottom has a broad inquests practice which includes matters relating to clinical failings and mental health, prison, and health and safety law. He typically represents bereaved families in inquests and related civil proceedings.

"James is a fantastic individual to work with. He is very responsive and helpful."

"He really fights for his client in a measured way that will have the most impact with a jury or judge."

Phillippa Kaufmann KC draws on her revered claimant-side public law practice in representing victims and families in inquests and inquiries. She is well known for bringing challenges to controversial decisions as to procedure, anonymity and the scope of the investigation.

"Phillippa is all over the facts and details of her brief."

"She is very good at identifying issues quickly and all round."

Kirsten Sjøvoll offers capability in a wide range of Article 2 inquests, including those involving clinical negligence or police conduct. She typically acts on behalf of bereaved families.

"Her legal work is excellent and her drafting is very good."

Raj Desai is well versed in Article 2 inquests investigating deaths involving public authorities, including the police and prison staff. He is routinely called upon by bereaved family members. Desai has additional experience of large-scale public inquiries.

"His written work is extremely high-quality. He is incredibly intelligent and very thorough."

"Raj is so clever; he is one of those dream barristers you know you can really collaborate with and he is really charming too."

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC is skilled in representing bereaved families and non-state participants in high-profile inquests and inquiries. Her recent highlights include several counsel roles in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

"Blinne has a phenomenal grasp of human rights. She is a great drafter and she has a real forensic focus on detail."

Jonathan Glasson KC is instructed in high-profile public inquiries and inquests. He is a trusted choice for government bodies and has acted as counsel to the coroner. His recent instructions include acting for a government department in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

"Jonathan masters the detail and conveys confidence to clients through his reassuring approach. He is a real strategic thinker who is able to cut through the detail to provide crystal-clear advice."

"He is a concise and effective advocate."

Anita Davies is widely instructed in the inquiries and inquests sphere, where she predominantly acts on behalf of family members. She is noted for her expertise in prison and healthcare-related inquests.

"Anita is able to digest huge amounts of documentation and identify key points. She forensically analyses the questions."

"Anita is good at cutting things down and she is really brilliant at identifying the key aspects of the case. She is also good with clients."

"She is someone who is extremely good on complex fact management. She can work out important themes and articulate it in an effective way."